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HOLY SHIT PAX IS NEXT WEEK!! We get a lot of questions about avatar adoption around this time every year -- namely, "What the fuck is avatar adoption?!" -- so I've put together a quick FAQ for those of you unfamiliar with this long-standing Dtoid tradition. This literally affects EVERY Dtoider -- yes, even you! -- so please read on to see how you can get involved!

What the fuck is PAX avatar adoption?!

Sadly, not every Dtoider gets to attend PAX. Whether they live too far away, don't have the funds for the trip, or simply can't escape for the weekend, dozens (maybe billions!) of your internet friends will never know the joy of playing videogames in the rain (because Seattle).

For these poor souls, we have the PAX Adopt-an-Avatar program! By harnessing the power of paper and ink, adoptees are able to vicariously enjoy the glory that is PAX no matter what their situation! Their avatars will mingle with Internet celebrities, wrap their thin, papery hands around the hottest new releases and upcoming games, and drown their pulpy livers in drink with the Dtoid staff and community (avatars must be 21-or-older to imbibe alcohol). Pretty neat!

So how does it work? It's pretty simple, really...

I can't make it to PAX. How do I get my avatar adopted?

All you have to do is ask! If you're unable to attend but love the idea of living vicariously through one of your Dtoid compatriots, just post a blog here in the Cblogs or start a thread over in the Forums detailing why yours is an avatar worth adopting! Then, assuming a loving parent-to-be comes along and offers you a new home, you'll provide them with a high-resolution copy of your avatar (something that will look good printed out) and cross your fingers that they'll love you like their own!

The level of involvement and creativity is different for each "parent", but here are some possibilities:

You'll be in a lot of pictures.

This one is pretty much a given. Adopting an avatar is a great excuse for people to bug Internet celebrities for their picture. "Hey, you're famous internet celebrity Jonathan Holmes! Could I take my picture with you? You know... for the avatar?"

You'll see said pictures in a recap blog or forum post.

Again, this one is pretty much a given. Half the fun of adopting an avatar comes with recapping the events of the weekend in a post-PAX post for all of Dtoid to see. (Here's an example of one I particularly enjoyed. Individual results may vary!)

Other things might happen.

WHO KNOWS?! The only guarantee is that everyone involved will have a blast!

I'm going to PAX, and I really want to adopt so-and-so's avatar. What do I do?

Tell them! Just send them a PM and work out the details! Then, once you're both on the same page, simply print out a copy of their avatar and bring it with you to PAX! Take them with you everywhere you go, and try to be as creative as possible... but most of all, HAVE FUN!

And that's all there is to it! If you have any further questions just ask here in the comments. And for those of you unable to attend PAX and want your avatar adopted... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Your would-be-parent is waiting!